Handbook of Norse Mythology

October 15, 2001
Edited by a professor in the Scandinavian Department at U.C. Berkeley, this handbook covers all periods and aspects of Scandinavian mythology.

Opening with a lengthy introduction followed by a chapter on the concept of time in Norse mythology, Lindow presents an overview of the history, literature, language, and culture of Scandinavia. Although these two sections provide a large amount of information, their scholarly approach may make them inaccessible to some readers.

By far the longest chapter is the dictionary-style "Deities, Themes, and Concepts." More than 200 entries range in length from one paragraph to four pages. The entries for well-known figures and concepts such as " Thor" and " Valholl" (Valhalla) receive the most discussion, but lesser-known figures and concepts like " Hod "(Odin's blind son) and " Jotunheimar" (the world of giants) are also listed. Each entry contains a very brief description or definition followed by a more detailed account. Most of the entries have " see "also references, and all but the shortest include a "References and Further Readings" list. Several entries include photographs of relics.

The fourth and final chapter surveys print and a few nonprint sources and is intended to "give the reader a general picture of important background materials, as well as print resources pertaining more generally to the mythology itself." A discussion of primary sources is included, particularly important because the field of Scandinavian mythology has relatively few primary source materials.

Many of the dictionary entries can be found in general encyclopedias of mythology. A treatment of Scandinavian mythology is included in the standard Larousse " World Mythology" (Gallery Books, 1969-1989). However, Lindow has produced a single volume that provides both a comprehensive overview and a listing of concepts and figures that is more detailed than " Cassell's Dictionary of Norse "Myth and Legend (1997). This source makes a significant contribution to the fields of mythology and Scandinavian studies and is highly recommended for large public and academic libraries. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)